Justice Reborn: How Mayor Dike Nwankwo Ended Years of Judicial Neglect in Ukwa West | SEE PHOTOS

[caption id="attachment_197790" align="alignnone" width="1296"] Chief Judge of Abia State, Hon. Justice Lilian Abai, through her representative Hon. Justice L.T.C. Eruba - Cutting The Commissioning tape[/caption]

Ukwa West Local Government on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, recorded a landmark achievement in its governance journey with the official commissioning of the newly rebuilt Obehie Magistrate Court, a facility that for many years symbolised neglect, decay, and institutional decline.

Held at Obehie Asa, the commissioning ceremony marked more than the unveiling of a judicial structure, it stood as a bold declaration that justice, dignity, and institutional renewal have returned to the grassroots under the leadership of Hon. Pst. Dike Briggs Nwankwo, Executive Chairman of Ukwa West Local Government.

Before the formal commissioning, the Chief Judge of Abia State, Hon. Justice Lilian Abai, through her representative Hon. Justice L.T.C. Eruba, expressed the Judiciary's deep satisfaction with the transformation of the once-ancient court. Justice Eruba noted that while public commendations are often politicised, the applause earned by the Ukwa West administration on this occasion was genuine, deserved, and backed by visible results.

He stated unequivocally that the Judiciary is pleased with the giant strides recorded under Mayor Dike Briggs Nwankwo, particularly the decision to fully rebuild the court rather than apply cosmetic repairs. According to him, the new court edifice reflects an Executive arm that understands the importance of justice delivery and is responsive to the needs of both the Bench and the Bar. He assured that the Judiciary would reciprocate the support with speedy and impartial justice, stressing that Ukwa West can no longer be described as insensitive to judicial concerns.

Goodwill messages from key stakeholders further reinforced the historic significance of the event. Hon. Stanley Ikechukwu Etche, former Commissioner for Petroleum, former Transition Committee Chairman of Ukwa West, and Eze-elect of Isi Obuzor Autonomous Community, described the project as a clear demonstration of leadership driven by vision rather than rhetoric, commending the Mayor's foresight, capacity, and uncommon commitment to development.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ukwa Branch, Venerable Kingsley Nwachi, Esq., applauded the Executive Chairman for his consistent and practical support for the Judiciary and the legal profession. He noted that even before the construction of the new court, the Mayor had demonstrated goodwill and partnership with the Bar, adding that the project further justified a vote of confidence in the administration.

Adding his voice, the Deputy Chief Registrar (Personnel), His Worship Emmanuel Ukaegbu, stated that the Chairman's dedication to strengthening the justice system is visibly captured in the new court structure, while calling for sustained collaboration to consolidate the gains already achieved.

In his address, Hon. Pst. Dike Briggs Nwankwo welcomed guests with humility and a strong sense of responsibility to the people. He described the commissioning as a moral and institutional obligation, not a political showpiece. Recalling the harsh conditions under which magistrates and lawyers previously operated, the Mayor said his administration could not allow such indignity to continue.

Following consultations with the Judiciary and professional assessments, he explained, the administration opted for a complete rebuild, expanding the scope to include two fully functional court halls to allow simultaneous sittings, reduce delays, and bring justice closer to the people. The inclusion of a dedicated power generator, he added, was a deliberate decision to guarantee continuity, comfort, and efficiency in judicial proceedings.

The commissioning of the Obehie Magistrate Court therefore stands as a practical expression of the administration's broader vision to strengthen institutions, promote accountability, and ensure governance truly serves the people. The Mayor urged residents of Obehie and Ukwa West to protect the facility and uphold the rule of law as partners in progress.

The event attracted top government officials, legal practitioners, traditional rulers, and community leaders, including the Deputy Mayor Hon. Pst. Joel Nwankwo; Secretary to the Local Government Barr. G.O.C. Ihenko; Hon. Ndukauba Adiele, Abia Arise Coordinator for Ukwa West; His Royal Highness Eze Ndubuisi Ogbuji, Ehie II of Obehie Autonomous Community; Hon. Chief Dom Oforji, President-General of Obehie Town Union; members of the NBA; council supervisors; and numerous stakeholders.

With the successful commissioning of the Obehie Magistrate Court, Ukwa West has once again signalled that its current administration is firmly committed to purposeful governance, institutional development, and lasting impact another defining chapter written for Nde Asa.

[caption id="attachment_197791" align="alignnone" width="1296"] Hon. Pst. Dike Briggs Nwankwo, Executive Chairman of Ukwa West Local Government.[/caption]